The 2008 assessment noted that Arabian Oryx no longer qualified for the Endangered category under criterion D on the basis of increasing numbers, and that Vulnerable D1 was appropriate and would have applied from 2006. Under IUCN Red List Guidelines, a species only moves to a lower category of threat if none of the criteria for the higher category (here Endangered) have been met for a period of five years or more. As this remains the case with Arabian Oryx, the transfer to Vulnerable should take effect from 2011.

Although numbers in the largest population (Mahazat as Sayd in Saudi Arabia) fell between 1998 and 2008 due to drought-related mortality, they have since stabilized. The total reintroduced population is now ca.1,000, so well over the threshold of 250 mature individuals needed to qualify for Endangered under criterion D. The population is stable or increasing and the area of occupancy is also increasing as oryx are released into new sites.

The Arabian Oryx formerly occurred through most of the Arabian Peninsula, north to Kuwait and Iraq. The species' range had already contracted by the early years of the 20th century and the decline accelerated thereafter. Before 1920, oryx distribution was separated into areas over 1,000 km apart: a northern population in and around the Nafud, and a larger southern population in the Rub Al Khali and the plains of central-southern Oman. Oryx disappeared from the north in the 1950s. In the south, their range steadily decreased due to hunting, and by the 1960s oryx were restricted to parts of central and southern Oman. The last wild individuals were probably shot in 1972 on the Jiddat al Harasis.

Current total population is estimated at approximately 1,000: Oman (approximately 50); Saudi Arabia (approximately 600: 400 in Mahazat as Sayd and 200 in Uruq Bani Ma’arid); United Arab Emirates (approximately 200), Israel (over 100) and Jordan (c.50). The population in Oman reached a high point of 450 before illegal live capture began and severely reduced numbers. Now only males remain. In Saudi Arabia, numbers are roughly stable in Uruq Bani Ma’arid, but have declined in Mahazat As Sayd, which is completely fenced and where animals have exceeded carrying capacity. There has been a slow, but steady increase in the Israeli population. Numbers in the Arabian Oryx Reserve, Abu Dhabi are also increasing slowly.

An estimated 6,000-7,000 animals are held in captivity worldwide, mostly within the region. Some of these are maintained in large fenced enclosures, including those in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria (Al Talila Reserve) and UAE.

The Oman population has been devastated by illegal live capture for sale to private collections and has been rendered totally ineffective. Some poaching has been recorded in Uruq Bani Ma’arid. Other populations in protected areas are generally secure from poaching but the security of animals that wander outside release sites cannot be guaranteed, except perhaps in Israel. Drought and overgrazing have reduced habitat quality in places and limited the choice of potential release further release sites.

Protective legislation in all countries with reintroduced populations is adequate. Almost all released animals occur in protected areas. Captive population is well-managed, with an international studbook. In addition, large numbers are kept in private collections, especially in Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is funding the reintroduction into Jordan and is considering releases in Iraq. A regional Arabian Oryx conservation strategy was developed in 2007. The Coordinating Committee for the Conservation of the Arabian Oryx is an inter-governmental body charged with coordination of conservation efforts within the Arabian Peninsula. It is listed on CITES Appendix I.